She dreaded more the crisis of her fate;

Better to die than Stafford’s scorn to meet,

And her strange friend perhaps would be discreet.

Presents she sent, and made a strong appeal

To woman’s feelings, begging her to feel;

With too much force she wrote of jealous men,

And her tears falling spoke beyond the pen;

Eliza’s silence she again implored,

And promised all that prudence could afford.

For looks composed and careless Anna tried;